Sustainable development the lynchpin of the socio-economic strategy, says PM

GIS- 24 August, 2016: Government has made of sustainable development the lynchpin of its socio-economic strategy. Preserving our environmental assets and promoting inclusive development top our priority list.

This statement was made this morning by the Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, at the official opening of the 47th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)–Africa Region Conference on the theme “Africa and the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Parliaments” being held from 22 to 27 August at the Intercontinental Hotel, Balaclava.

In his address the Prime Minister pointed out that economic development should benefit one and all and recalled the unprecedented fight against absolute poverty which the country has embarked on. According to him, the African continent is being increasingly referred to as the land of opportunities and the next frontier of growth which unfortunately is being subject to a high level of poverty in many parts of Africa. He underscored the importance of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals which if even partly attained in Africa, can change the face of the whole continent.

The Prime Minister also dwelt on the issue of climate change that is affecting the whole world including Africa and Mauritius which as a small island developing state is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

He recalled the several appeals of Mauritius in international forums for financial and technical assistance so that countries like ours and Least Developed countries can implement climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. On this score, he announced the coming into operation of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub which will be hosted in Mauritius. It will assist in unlocking existing and new climate finance to SIDS and Least Developed Countries and facilitate Cross-Commonwealth cooperation, which was set up at the last Commonwealth Head of Governments Meeting in Malta.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth spoke on the challenges related to gender equality and women empowerment in Africa as well as the importance of good governance for democracy and for development and progress.

Democracy must have an effective social dimension, if we want it to flourish, he said. In this context Parliamentarians should convince their constituents that democratic institutions can transform their lives, added the Prime Minister.

During the course of the 47th CPA-Africa Region Conference, parliamentary delegations will be sharing experience and expertise on how Parliaments can ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are achieved in Africa.

Some 350 delegates from 18 African Commonwealth countries and 18 sub national branches as well as local participants are attending the conference.

CPA, previously known as the Empire Parliamentary Association, is an organisation which works to support good governance, democracy and human rights. It is committed to respect forHuman Rights and Freedom and the pursuit of the ideals of democracy and good governance while building understanding and unity between countries of the region and the continent; and promoting the interest/perspective of Africa into the Commonwealth and beyond.

The CPA currently has 181 branches and is divided into nine regions namely: Africa; Asia; Australia; British Islands and Mediterranean; Canada; Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic; India; Pacific, and South-East Asia. The Secretariat is based in London.